How to Do Business with the US Air Force | Meet Ron Saville - USAF Policy Chief
DISCLAIMER: The views presented are those of the speaker and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components.
Summary: Ron Saville - Policy Chief is based at the Pentagon and writes the small business policies within AIr Force and Space Force. In this interview, he and Neil McDonnell discuss how small businesses can build better business relationships with the Air Force.
Guest Bio | Ron Saville serves as U.S. Air Force and Space Force Policy Chief for the Office of the Secretary Air Force Small Business Programs. For many years, he was the Director of Small Business Programs and Contracting Resource Managerat the
With over 27 years experience with the AIr Force, Ron is a passionate Small Business champion and highly experienced contracting officer. He also serves as President of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) Pentagon Chapter.
In this episode, Ron Saville and Neil McDonnell discuss:
- why small businesses need to become better listeners, rather than just 'spewing solutions'
- how small businesses confuse self promotion with unsolicited proposals
- the importance of a quality Capability Statements that clearly communicates core capabilities and relevant past performance
- how small businesses can track on upcoming expiring opportunities
- the importance of constant outreach and developing relationships with small businesses
- researching agencies before making contact, in order to write more effective emails
- how government buyers are more receptive and helpful if businesses show they have done their homework
- why achieving women-owned and HUBZone small business contracting goals is a challenge for the USAF
- President Biden's announcement to increase the share of contracts awarded to small, disadvantaged businesses (SDBs) to 15% by 2025.
- ways small businesses should introduce their innovative solutions (HINT: don't go to the commander or the program officers!)
- how to prepare for matchmaking events so that you connect with the right people and have productive conversations
- AF Small Business Professionals have direct relationships with major commands and bases nationwide
- ways small business professionals help contractors identify and respond to Air Force procurement opportunities
REFERENCES MENTIONED IN THIS INTERVIEW
- 7 Mentors of Federal Government Contracting (video/blog)
- How to do homework on the US Air Force
CONTACT |Ron Saville
- Email: [email protected]
- LinkedIn (personal page)
- LinkedIn Air Force Small Business (company page)
- Website | Air Force Office of Small Business Programs
- MAJCOMs and NAICS codes
- Expiring Contract
OUR COMMITMENT
We are committed to helping small business owners build strategic relationships with federal buyers and potential teaming partners that lead to federal contracting revenue.
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Neil McDonnell
President
Neil brings 20+ years experience as a small business federal contractor, personally winning and supporting numerous government contracts for the US Army, Navy and Air Force, HHS, VA, DOT, DOI, DOE, the Executive Office of the White House and numerous large prime contractors.
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